Newly discovered toad species only found in Vietnam

A report published in the journal Zootaxa said that a new species of toad, belonging to the genus Oreolalax (scientific name: Oreolalax) has just been recognized as an endemic toad species, newly recorded in Vietnam.

A new species of toad found only in Vietnam was found on Po Ma Lung mountain, Lai Chau (Photo: Zootaxa).

During an expedition to Po Ma Lung Mountain , Phong Tho District, Lai Chau Province, a research team from the Indo-Myanmar Conservation organization, led by a Vietnamese, discovered a new species of toad with unique characteristics that had never been discovered before.

Grouped as the Po Ma Lung mountain toothed toad , this is the  second amphibian species of the genus  Oreolalax found in Vietnam, and has many characteristics similar to the Sterling toothed toad (scientific name: Oreolalax sterlingae ).

However, researchers quickly found unique features of this toad, including black spots on its body, folds of skin behind its eyes and belly, and two-tone irises.

The discovery of the new toad species is a "victory" for the region dubbed Vietnam's "frog hotspot ," and an important step toward better conservation of wildlife - including species we don't even know about yet, experts say .

"This is an exciting discovery, and once again highlights the importance of protecting the forests of the Hoang Lien Son range and the biodiversity they contain ," said Dr Ben Tapley, head of reptiles and amphibians at London Zoo.